Transport and Slaughter

5.7.7 Transport of livestock must be carried out so as to limit the stress suffered by the animals in accordance with the relevant NZ legislation in force. Loading and unloading must be carried out with caution and without the use of any type of electronic or chemical stimulation to coerce the animals. The use of any allopathic tranquilliser, prior to and during transport, is prohibited.

The journey time to the slaughter shall not exceed eight hours. When there is no certified organic slaughterhouse within 8 hours travel time, an animal may be transported for a period in excess.

During the period leading up to and at the time of slaughter, livestock must be handled in such a way that stress to the animals is reduced to a minimum.

Throughout the different steps of the process there shall be a person responsible for the well being of the animals.

Animals must be provided with conditions during transport and slaughter that reduce and minimize the adverse effects of:

• Stress
• Loading and unloading
• Mixing different groups of animals or animals of different sex
• Quality and suitability of mode of transport and handling equipment
• Temperatures and relative humidity
• Hunger and thirst; and
• The specific needs of each animal

Each animal or group of animals shall be identifiable at each step in the transport and slaughter process.

Codes of recommendations and minimum standards for the welfare of animals transported with in New Zealand must be adhered to at all times.